Learning with confidence
Identify educational gaps, strengthen confidence in reading, writing, and mathematics, and develop practical ways to organize work and follow through.
Private online mentorship · International families
Neurodivergent Teen Mentorship
A trusted relationship. Thoughtful guidance. A future that feels like their own.
I’m Dr. Emily Wassell, a PhD educator and wellbeing researcher. Through regular one-to-one Zoom conversations, I help neurodivergent teens connect their learning, wellbeing, relationships, and ambitions with practical steps forward.
Begin a Legacy ConversationPersonally led by Dr. Wassell · Based in Italy, working internationally
Someone who sees the whole teen
Your teen may be capable, curious, and full of ideas—and still find school, friendships, organization, or decisions about the future difficult. A strong education does not always give them a trusted person with whom to connect the wider picture.
Mentorship creates space to be heard, ask honest questions, and explore what matters. I listen carefully, recognize strengths, and help your teen move from uncertainty toward thoughtful action.
Habits that support wellbeing
Explore routines around sleep, hydration, nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and environments that help your teen learn and feel more settled.
Relationships and self-trust
Think through friendships, boundaries, bullying, self-advocacy, and the choices of growing up—with a kind, supportive adult alongside them.
Direction and opportunity
Explore careers, university fit, activities, and opportunities that connect with your teen’s interests and the life they want to build.
Growing independence
Practice making decisions, asking for help, communicating clearly, and taking responsibility in ways that fit the individual.
Ideas into contribution
Develop public speaking, explore community service and philanthropy, and identify resources and next steps for ambitious ideas.
The relationship comes first
Guidance built around who they are
I begin by getting to know your teen: what excites them, what feels difficult, and what they want someone to understand. We consider how learning, health, emotions, habits, and relationships affect one another.
The guidance evolves with their needs. Some conversations focus on an immediate challenge; others open up new possibilities. Together, we identify priorities, explore resources, and choose manageable next steps.
A partnership with your family
Parents bring essential knowledge of their teen. We agree how you will be involved, what priorities we are working toward, and how progress will be discussed.
The aim is to help your teen develop their own judgment and independence while giving your family clearer direction. When specialist support is needed, I help you identify appropriate resources.
How the work begins
01 · UNDERSTAND
A Legacy Conversation
We discuss your teen’s strengths, your concerns, and the decisions ahead, and consider whether my advisory work is a good fit.
02 · AGREE
A thoughtful direction
We establish priorities and the level of responsibility you want me to carry alongside your family.
03 · DEVELOP
Sustained mentorship
Regular Zoom conversations support practical action. We review what is helping and adapt as your teen’s needs change.
Academic depth. Personal understanding.
I hold a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and a Master of Arts in Teaching and BA in English from Colorado College.
Across more than 25 years in education, my work has included teaching, school leadership, founding a private high school centered on wellbeing, and wellbeing research. As a neurodivergent educator, I also bring personal understanding to this relationship.
Meet Dr. Emily Wassell →From a dream to a life in art
Cayden studied with Emily for five years and graduated from Paonia Experiential Leadership Academy.
“Emily never treated my art as simply a hobby. She recognized that I had a dream and did everything she could to help me turn that dream into a reality.”
Cayden Matuzak · Artist
Read student and family stories →A space to feel seen
“As a creative mind, I needed someone to slow down with me and see the world through my eyes. She made me feel like my dreams were worth nurturing.”
Cleya · Artist, EmpressArt
Confidence, direction, and a parent’s perspective
“Emily helped me so much with my confidence and figuring out how to apply for college.”
Sage · Student testimonial
“I think something Emily helped me with most is my confidence with academics and within myself.”
Mia · Student testimonial
“We are so proud of her hard work. Hiring you as her coach was priceless.”
Diana · Parent testimonial
These excerpts describe individual experiences from Emily’s educational work. Each student’s path is different.
Read the testimonials on Paperbell →Questions parents ask
Who is neurodivergent teen mentorship for?
It is for families seeking sustained educational guidance and a trusted mentoring relationship for their neurodivergent teen. Some teens are gifted, have learning differences, or find organization, relationships, and transitions challenging. We begin with the individual’s strengths and needs rather than a standard formula.
How is this different from tutoring or college consulting?
Tutoring usually focuses on a subject; college consulting often focuses on applications and admissions. My mentorship connects educational direction with the wider life of the teen, including habits, relationships, self-understanding, independence, and future possibilities. University planning can be part of that work.
Can we work with you from another country?
Yes. I am based in Italy and meet teens regularly on Zoom. We discuss scheduling, your family’s educational context, and the suitability of the engagement during the Legacy Conversation.
How are parents involved?
We agree how parents will participate and how priorities and progress will be discussed. The work respects the teen as an individual while keeping a thoughtful partnership with the family.
Is mentorship a clinical service?
This is educational advising and mentorship. It does not provide diagnosis, medical treatment, or psychotherapy. When a teen needs specialist care or support, I help the family identify appropriate resources and work within the agreed educational role.
A clearer next step for your family
Tell me about your teen, what concerns you, and what you hope could become possible. We can explore whether sustained mentorship and educational direction are the right next step.